Advice please
 

Hi all

I've been looking at a RTW trip for a while now. My first step is probably a trip down through Spain, France, Italy and Greece as a 'tester'.

I have tried the Beemer 1200GS but it is way too big and heavy for me. I grew up on fairly lightweight enduro's and I am also a reasonably competent mechanic and I am therefore looking for something lighter and simpler than the Beemer.

I really like the look and feel of the unfaired SV 650 Suzuki. Its a good engine, not too heavy, and comfortable. I can pick a good one up cheap as my 'project' bike. I know the 650 V-Strom is popular but I don't like the front fairing.

Has anybody tried taking an SV 650 with a small bikini fairing out on a LONG trip? Id be looking to add crash bars, radiator guard, sump plate, top and side racks, mudguards, maybe upgrade the suspension, bigger tank if available, change the handlebars, tyres etc etc. Anybody got recommendations for useful quality aftermarket parts?

Or can I take the V strom and amend/dump the front fairing?

Thanks in advance

Rich

Hi Rich
My girlfriend recently got a SV650 and I can vouch for just how good these bikes are. I agree with you about the DL fairing, it's a pity they didn't make that model the same as the SV with the option to have the fairing or not.
On an unfaired SV there is no real need for a Bikini fairing. My g/f's bike has a small Puig screen mounted to the headlight and that makes 80+mph cruising comfortable for me (I'm 5'10).

Although I think the SV is a great bike the thing that is the biggest consideration in my opinion when planning a really big trop on one a would be availability of strong luggage. The best luggage available for an SV is GIVI and I've heard many reports of the top case mounts snapping on this system. The big issue is that the SV subframe is really lacking in good mounting points on which to bolt a rack. The DL has a different subframe and you can get a Metal Mule luggage system for it if you are after more rugged luggage (touratech list for DL1000 but not the DL650, I don't know if there one and the same).

Baglux tank bag systems are available for both bikes. I've used one on my bike (a Triumph Trophy) for years and highly rate them.

I'll be putting some GIVI luggage (top box at least) on our SV but will be making the rack myself either from scratch or heavily mofifying an existing GIVI one. I guess your decision depends a lot on how much work you want to put in and what skills you have. If you can build your own racks then the SV could still be for you.

The SV seat is not the most comfortable but gel and corbin versions are available. Can't comment on the DL but it has a duel seat so you can at least move around a bit, unlike the SV.

There is a huge online community for SV riders at http://www.sv650.org
also ebay and google are your friends for doing research on SV's as there is a mountain of information out there.

Never heard about larger tanks for either bike but it's an economical engine so I'd just carry a can if you think you need to extend your range.

Hope this is some help.

cheers

Stewart